For your vacation at our hotel on Ré Island, discover all the information about the Ré Island toll:

Why is the Ré Island bridge toll required?

Inaugurated in 1988, the Ré Island Bridge put an end to the endless traffic jams that previously plagued everyone traveling to Ré Island. The island attracted more and more visitors each year, and taking the ferry from La Rochelle had become quite an ordeal due to long and tedious wait times, especially for island residents. Despite concerns about the potential influx of tourists harming the island’s unique and fragile environment, the Charente-Maritime department persevered. At 3 km in length, the Ré Bridge can accommodate more than 16,000 vehicles per day during the summer season and has undoubtedly made life easier for its permanent residents. Connecting the island to the mainland with a secure structure built to seismic safety standards came at a cost of nearly 60 million euros. From the start, implementing a toll was essential. Beyond budgetary considerations, charging occasional visitors has also helped regulate traffic. More recently, the Ré Island toll has supported an environmental program called CAP Ré, an eco-tax designed to involve temporary users and vacationers in protecting the island's sites and natural resources.

Ile de Ré Toll Rates in 2023

Before crossing the Ile de Ré bridge, it’s important to know that the toll payment is only collected on the mainland side (Belvédère Toll Station) and is always for a round trip, as there is no toll booth on the island. The rates vary based on two criteria:

  • Vehicle category
  • Season (Summer: June 20/September 11 – Winter: September 12/June 19)

Official Vehicle Classification

  • Class 1: Vehicles (with or without a trailer) with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) not exceeding 3.5 tons and a height under 2 meters.
  • Class 2: Vehicles (cars with or without a trailer, vans, etc.) with a GVW under 3.5 tons and a height between 2 and 3 meters.
  • Class 3: Heavy vehicles, buses, etc., with two axles and either a GVW over 3.5 tons or a height over 3 meters.
  • Class 4: Heavy vehicles with more than two axles and a height exceeding 3 meters or a GVW over 3.5 tons.
  • Class 5: Two-wheelers with an engine capacity over 50cc.

Round-Trip Rates (in Euros)

  • Class 1 & 2: Summer €16 / Winter €8
  • Class 3: Summer €18 / Winter €18
  • Class 4: Summer €40 / Winter €40
  • Class 5: Summer €3 / Winter €3

Subscription Prices for the Île de Ré Bridge

The Continental subscription is available in 3 versions:

  • Prepaid card for summer/winter crossings, valid for three years
  • Annual pass for vehicles in classes 1 and 2 (2019 rate: €400)
  • Subscription for vehicles in class 5

Pay-per-crossing rates (in euros):

  • Classes 1 and 2: summer €4.85 / winter €9.70
  • Class 3: summer €10.91 / winter €10.91
  • Class 4: summer €24.24 / winter €24.24
  • Class 5: summer €1.82 / winter €1.82

Work Pass Subscription

Reserved for employees or temporary workers living on the mainland and working for a company on the island. Required documents: employer form, employment contract or pre-employment declaration to Urssaf, ID, and vehicle registration. This is not available for vehicles in classes 3 and 4 for the Île de Ré bridge toll crossing. Rates:

  • Classes 1 and 2:
    • 15 crossings: €10 - validity: 1 month
    • 30 crossings: €18 - validity: 2 months
    • 40 crossings: €22 - validity: 4 months
    • 230 crossings: €118 - validity: 1 year
  • Class 5: 40 crossings: €12 - validity: 4 months

Secondary Residence Subscription

Owners or tenants of a secondary residence can benefit from a reduced toll rate for the Île de Ré bridge upon providing the required documentation.

  • Classes 1 and 2: €2/crossing year-round
  • Class 5: €1/crossing year-round
  • Or annual subscription: €100 for the same classes

Residents, tenants, and businesses with permanent addresses on the island are exempt from toll fees. However, if they fail to present their identification card, a crossing fee (ranging from €1 to €15 depending on the vehicle) will be charged. During your stay, don’t miss out on the latest Île de Ré news!

Take the Île de Ré Bridge for Your Next Vacation

Enjoy a scenic drive across this long bridge to reach a paradise island filled with white sandy beaches and luxury hotels: Île de Ré. The Île de Ré Bridge is an inspiring architectural piece linking the island to La Rochelle in mainland France. Travel across the remarkable structure on your way to an exclusive island retreat. Spanning approximately 3 km, it’s one of the longest bridges in France and the sole road route to Île de Ré a must-visit vacation destination if you’re undecided on where to go. Cross the bridge to reach the island’s sand dunes, forests, and cycling paths. Capture photos of the stunning bridge from the La Rochelle coastline. From there, the structure and its countless arches appear endless. The central part of the bridge rises above the water to allow boats to pass underneath. It’s built with concrete and steel. Admire the construction as you take a leisurely walk or bike ride across the bridge. During busy periods, more than 16,000 motorists traverse this long passage. The island is also known as "Ré la Blanche," referring to the bright white of its traditional houses. Visit this popular spot among French residents and international travelers. Many wealthy and famous French individuals cross this bridge to reach their holiday homes on the island. Discover its charming villages, historical landmarks, and breathtaking countryside. Stay in one of the luxury beachfront hotels and enjoy the region’s sunny summers. A toll is required to cross the bridge by road, which includes the return journey as there is no toll booth on the way back. The Île de Ré Bridge is located about 6 kilometers west of La Rochelle’s city center, in the La Pallice area. Take a taxi for the 15-minute ride or try one of the many bus routes that will take you to the bridge. The site is just west of La Rochelle Airport.